Zacarias and L.A. Schools

* “How California Compares” (Oct. 27) showed California at or near the bottom on most measures of academic performance: test scores, average class size, spending per pupil, etc. Interestingly, however, the ranking for number of administrative support staff was 16th out of 50 states.

Supt. Ruben Zacarias, though well-intentioned and a caring man, was ineffective in every reform effort he started. A former teacher in LAUSD, I have watched and participated in this district as a teacher, parent and interested professional for over 30 years. The investigation of the Belmont project showed that it is time to clean house, bring in a new team to truly transform the entire district and give one more (perhaps last) try to save this school district. Otherwise, let’s simply dismantle it and turn education over to smaller, more locally responsive districts.

ALAN M. SOLOMON

Los Angeles

* What an interesting contrast in the Oct. 31 Commentary page, with constructive and destructive perspectives on the LAUSD conflict involving Zacarias. The former, from present school district Chief Operating Officer Howard Miller, lays out specific and achievable goals for the school system, goals that hold everyone (parents, kids, teachers and administrators) accountable. The latter, from Frank del Olmo, [is about] angry threats of ethnic vengeance because Zacarias was not treated “with respect.”

Let’s not lose sight of our priority: the children (mine included) who attend schools within the LAUSD. The so-called leaders of the Latino community upset over Zacarias are only concerned with fomenting a power struggle, not respecting our children.

BRIAN TIMM

Los Angeles